Tamela Mann, Michael Beach Added To Sparkle Remakeby Wilson Morales
November 1, 2011
Actors Tamela Mann and Michael Beach have recently been added to the cast of ‘Sparkle.’
The film is a remake of the 1976 film that centered on the three Williams sisters, who began singing in their church choir in Harlem in the late 1950s and went on to become a successful girl group, though their sudden rise took a toll on their personal lives. Remake takes place in 1968 Detroit during the rise of Motown.
“American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks stars as the title character, a music prodigy who struggles to become a star as she overcomes issues that are tearing her family apart. Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter are playing Sparks’ siblings, Sister and Dolores, respectively. Grammy winning artist and actress Whitney Houston plays the trio’s mother, Emma.
Mann, who is known for her role as Cora Simmons in most of Tyler Perry‘s plays, TV series and films, including ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman,’ ‘Meet the Browns,’ ‘Madea Goes to Jail,’ and ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ will play Mrs. Waters, a friend of Emma.
“I’m honored and excited to work with an incredible group of people,” said Mann. “It’s a touching story, and I’m happy to be a part of this film.”
Beach, a veteran actor who film and TV credits include ‘Waiting to Exhale’ with Whitney Houston, ‘Soul Food,’ ‘ER,’ ‘Third Watch,’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ will play a reverend in the film.
The Massachusetts native recently landed a role opposite Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe in Allen Hughes‘ new film, ‘Broken City.’
Salim Akil (‘Jumping the Broom’) is directing ‘Sparkle’ from a script by Mara Brock Akil. Duo are also producing along with Debra Martin Chase, TD Jakes and Curtis Wallace. Houston is exec producing with Howard Rosenman and Gaylyn Fraiche.
Also cast in the film are Derek Luke as Stix, an aspiring Motown manager who discovers the sisters and eventually falls for Sparkle. Omari Hardwick will play his cousin, Levi, who falls for Ejogo’s character but turns to a life of crime after she’s stolen from him by Detroit comic Satin Struthers, who will be played by Mike Epps.
Cee-lo Green will play a singer who serves as the girls’ opening act.
Production on the film is currently underway in Detroit.
